Weekly Light Rail News | Fleet milestones and future connections | 23rd October 2026
In today’s weekly light rail news round-up, all 46 new Tyne and Wear Metro trains complete their handover, while KeolisAmey Docklands launches the second year of its schools rail programme. Plans for Bradford’s new station move ahead alongside the proposed West Yorkshire Mass Transit system. Plus, heritage trams take centre stage at Blackpool’s Lightpool Festival, and a musical performance on Nottingham’s trams supports Hate Crime Awareness Week. Our Heritage Diary also looks ahead to half-term activities and end-of-season celebrations.
All 46 new Tyne and Wear Metro trains handed over
Stadler has formally handed over the 46th and final Class 555 Metro train to Nexus, completing this phase of the £362m fleet programme two months ahead of its end-of-year target. All 46 trains have now completed testing and commissioning and are available for customer service.
The programme involved 90,000 individual tests, 37,000 kilometres of on-track running and training for 480 employees. The new fleet offers climate control, charging points and improved accessibility.
DLR rail programme returns to inspire young people
KeolisAmey Docklands has launched the second year of its Primary Engineer Rail Programme, following a first cohort that connected more than 1,000 pupils across 10 schools with practical rail projects.
The new programme began with training at Poplar depot for teachers representing 10 additional schools, supported by KeolisAmey Docklands colleagues. It will reach pupils across Tower Hamlets, Newham, Greenwich and Lewisham, helping children explore engineering while developing their confidence.
New Bradford station to support integrated transport plans
The government has confirmed that a new station will replace Bradford Interchange in the 2030s, improving rail connections with Leeds, Manchester and York as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail.
The city-centre site is intended to support regeneration around Bradford’s Southern Gateway and provide an interchange with the proposed West Yorkshire Mass Transit network. Bradford Council estimates that the combined transport investment could support thousands of homes and jobs, with economic benefits exceeding £1 billion.
Supertram renewal works to affect Hillsborough services
Essential rail replacement work will take place between Hillsborough and Shalesmoor from 24th to 31st October as part of the £110m investment in the Supertram network. Trams will be unable to operate through the affected area and replacement buses will be provided.
Blue route services will run between Shalesmoor and Herdings Park, while Yellow route trams will operate between Cathedral and Meadowhall. Tram Train services will run normally, and most services are expected to resume their usual routes on 1st November.
Illuminated heritage trams join Blackpool’s Lightpool Festival
Blackpool’s Western Train and Frigate trams are appearing in static displays during the Lightpool Festival, which continues until 31st October. The Western Train sits on the heritage line at North Pier, while the Frigate is displayed outside Starr Gate depot each evening.
Blackpool Transport engineers and volunteers prepared both vehicles. Plans for the historic Rocket tram were postponed after its restoration proved more complex than expected, although work is continuing alongside repairs intended for future tours.
Dublin Luas launches Halloween passenger competition
Luas is offering passengers the chance to win one of four €10 TFI Leap Cards through a Halloween-themed competition linked to Dublin’s literary history.
Entrants must identify the Luas stop closest to Buckingham Street, where Dracula author Bram Stoker lived in his youth. Entries close at 11.59 pm on 2nd November, and the four winners will be selected at random and contacted by email on 3rd November.
Shuttle buses planned for Old Trafford during Manchester Metrolink tram closures
Manchester United supporters are advised to plan ahead for the home match against Bournemouth on Sunday 25th October, when no trams will serve Old Trafford due to major Metrolink engineering work.
Dedicated shuttle buses will operate between the stadium and Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange and the Trafford Centre, with return journeys after the match. TfGM is advising supporters to check alternative routes and ticket arrangements before travelling.
Nottingham tram performance supports hate crime awareness
Members of Nottingham charity Pulp Friction performed aboard a NET tram travelling between Clifton and Old Market Square as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week.
The choir, which supports learning-disabled and autistic people, shared messages about kindness and inclusion while distributing campaign information to passengers. The performance formed part of its 'Thumbs Down to Hate Crime' campaign, delivered with Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Metro Matters explores MetroLink’s long-term legacy
The fifth episode of the Metro Matters podcast features Mary Darcy, Head of Metro Investment at the National Transport Authority, discussing MetroLink’s place within Ireland’s integrated transport network.
Drawing on her experience of major infrastructure projects in Ireland and overseas, Mary considers how MetroLink could improve connections, support workforce development and leave a lasting transport legacy. The episode also examines lessons from international projects.
London Trams closure planned for major engineering works
No trams will operate beyond East Croydon towards Beckenham Junction, Elmers End or New Addington between 24th October and 5th November. Wimbledon line services will continue to run as far as East Croydon, with two replacement bus routes serving the affected areas.
The closure will enable modernisation work around Kent Gateway, close to Addington Village tram stop. Work will take place around the clock, with associated road closures and diversions also expected.
Heritage diary: Half-term events and end-of-season celebrations 🗓️
Heritage tramways are preparing for a busy half-term, with Riverside Depot tours at Seaton Tramway on 24th October.
Halloween activities at the National Tramway Museum run from 26th to 30th October.
East Anglia Transport Museum will host Frights at the Museum between 28th and 31st October
The month concludes with the Isle of Man’s end-of-season weekend on 31st October and 1st November, featuring special activity across the Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway and Douglas Bay Horse Tramway
UKTram Updates
UKTram reflects on membership growth
The next round-up will be published on Friday, 30th October, if you are a UKTram Member and you'd like to be included in the round-up shared on the website, socials and our exclusive Members' hub, please send your press releases, event updates and career opportunities to chelsea.branch@uktram.co.uk
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